Lunar Lander Test Bench Development Senior Engineer

Role Overview

Lunar Lander Test Bench Development Senior Engineer at The Exploration Company, based remotely with periodic travel to the United Arab Emirates.

Company Overview

The Exploration Company is developing next-generation space transportation systems, including a lunar lander capable of precision landing and reusable operations. The company is establishing a dedicated remote test site in the United Arab Emirates to perform hot-fire propulsion testing and hopper flight demonstrations.

Role Purpose

You will lead the design, development, and deployment of a new remote test facility from concept to operations. The role combines propulsion test infrastructure design, cryogenic fluid systems engineering, civil infrastructure coordination, and end-to-end project execution in a remote environment.

Key Responsibilities

Test Site Development

• Define and synthesize system-level requirements for a remote lunar lander test site supporting hot firing and hopper flight testing.
• Lead the design and implementation of the complete facility, including ground infrastructure and utilities.
• Specify and implement propellant and pressurization systems including Liquid Oxygen, Liquid Methane, Helium, and Nitrogen.
• Design infrastructure enabling autonomous operation of a remote site including power generation, storage, logistics, and safety systems.

Fluid and Cryogenic Systems Engineering

• Develop P&IDs for propulsion test facilities and associated ground support equipment.
• Design, size, and select components for cryogenic and high-pressure fluid systems.
• Ensure safe handling, storage, and distribution of cryogenic propellants and pressurants.

Infrastructure and Civil Engineering Coordination

• Define facility layout, foundations, structural interfaces, and site infrastructure requirements.
• Coordinate with civil engineering partners to implement test stands, safety perimeters, and support buildings.

Safety, Automation, and Operations

• Define and implement automation architectures for test operations and facility control, including safe connections with the vehicle to test.
• Develop and validate safety-critical systems protecting personnel, hardware, and environment.
• Perform hazard analyses (FMEA, HAZOP, risk assessments) and implement mitigation measures.
• Develop test procedures, operational concepts, and commissioning plans.

Project Leadership

• Lead end-to-end development of the test facility including design, procurement, manufacturing, installation, commissioning, and operations readiness.
• Manage technical interfaces with internal teams, customers, and external suppliers.
• Perform trade-off analyses to optimize performance, safety, cost, and schedule.
• Support on-site deployment, integration, and test campaigns in the United Arab Emirates.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, energy systems, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in propulsion test facilities or hot-fire test bench development.
• Strong expertise in fluid systems engineering, including cryogenic propellants.
• Experience designing or operating ground support equipment for rocket propulsion systems.
• Knowledge of automation systems and safety-critical control architectures for industrial or test environments.
• Experience coordinating infrastructure or facility development in industrial or remote environments.
• Demonstrated project management capability across multidisciplinary engineering activities.

Skills & Competencies

• Hands-on engineering mindset with strong problem-solving ability.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work across international teams.

Additional Information

• Periodic travel to and work in the United Arab Emirates is required.
• The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. The company does not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status.
• Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate, including visa sponsorship where applicable.
• All offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which will be subject to the country, role, and project applied for.
• The Exploration Company partners with Zinc Work Limited, a third-party provider located in the UK, to conduct background checks.